Death following contact with police - Northumbria Police, November 2016

Published 23 May 2018
Investigation

In November 2016 Northumbria Police interviewed a man for the offence of rape. Following his release, the man was reported missing.

He remained missing for ten days and was found in the north Yorkshire area having committed suicide. Throughout the period the man was missing, he was graded as a medium risk.

A post-mortem examination found that the man died of an overdose and hypothermia

During the investigation, all officers who conducted risk assessments in relation to the missing man provided written responses detailing actions they took and the reasoning behind their grading. Investigators, examined both local and national policy and procedures and examined the post-mortem examination report.

Based on the evidence available the Investigator found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.

IOPC reference

2016/077194